Unit 1 Africa Study Guide KEY (for test 12-19-14):
Geography:
1. What lake is the source of The Nile? Lake Victoria
2. What is the largest lake in Africa? Lake Victoria
3. The lack of clean and abundant water in many countries south of the Sahara has had what economic effect? Little to no development of businesses and technologyin those areas of Africa
4. What is desertification? “The spread of the desert” The transformation of arable land into non-arable land due to over-farming, over-grazing, over-development, and drought
5. What region of Africais dealing with desertification?
The Sahel
6. List some of the specific causes of desertification.
Overgrazing, improper farming techniques, drought, deforestation
7. What is the Sahel region of Africa and where is it located?
Semi-Arid area south of the Sahara; formerly grasslands now drying up and becoming part of the desert
8. Why is the Sahel an impoverished area in recent years?
Lack of development, lack of rainfall, grassland area now turning into uninhabitable desert
9. Why is the population of the Sahara desert low? Lack of water
10. What is drought? Lack of rainfall
11. What is famine? Widespread shortage of food (note: malnutrition is the lack of the right kinds of food)
12. Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources. Non-renewable resources cannot be quickly replaced. Renewable resources can!
13. What is the major physical barrier in the continent of Africa? Sahara Desert
14. Where is the Aswan High Dam and what is its purpose? How has this impacted the quality of water? Along the Nile River in Egypt—built to stop the annual flooding of the Nile River….the flooding was bad for homes and property, but GOOD for farming (bringing fertile silt to the mouth of the river) Now Egypt is dealing with water pollution due to artificial fertilizers usedand there are arguments re: whether the Dam has done more harm than good for Egypt overall…
15. What is the major water source for Sudan and Egypt? The Nile River
16. What does the term “Sub-Saharan” Africa mean? “sub” means “below,” so it is the part of the continent of Africa “below” or SOUTH of the Sahara Desert
17. What man-made geographic feature is important for Egypt’s trade? The Suez Canal
18. What physical features in Africa make the topography very diverse?Savannas, rain forests, mountains, and deserts
Culture:
19. What was the result of the migration of the Bantu people throughout Africa? They kept their cultural identity, but changed/influenced the people that they came into contact with (taught new farming techniques, cattle raising, language, the ideas of civilization/towns, etc.)
20. What is the difference between an ethnic group and a religious group? An ethnic group is the race/culture that one is born into which shares language, culture, history, etc. A religious group shares a belief system. Members of different ethnic groups may be part of the same religious group.
21. What is diversity? Differences in background & culture
22. How can diversity within a country lead to conflict? Different cultures and values may disagree on how to govern a country and may have trouble unifying their people when some groups do not feel included.
23. What are the four major ethnic groups in Africa and what are their religious preferences? Arabs (mainly Muslim), Bantu (mostly traditional religions that focus on ancestors), Swahili (blend of Islam and their traditional beliefs), and Ashanti (traditional religions- a mixture of spiritual and supernatural powers)
24. What region are most Arabs found in? Northern
25. Which ethnic group migrated down the Eastern coast of Africa and settled in the south? Bantu
26. Which ethnic group is mostly located along the Eastern coast of Africa whose religion blends Islam and native beliefs? Swahili
27. What is Kwanza?A traditional winter holiday celebrated in Eastern Afri
Explain the major environmental issues in Africa.
Desertification-Desertification is the process in which the land becomes more like a desert. This is when the plants die and the soil blows away leaving the ground unfit for farming. This is caused by several factors- drought, overgrazing of farm animals, improper farming techniques, and the cutting down of trees.
Deforestation- Deforestation is the mass destruction and cutting down of trees and other vegetation. The growing population is a cause of deforestation. People are clearing forests to build homes and communities. This is a major cause of desertification.
Water Issues- Across much of Africa, there is a lack of access to clean water suitable for drinking. Many parts of Africa do not have enough water for people to live. Many overpopulated areas with fresh water resources are becoming polluted because of industrial, animal, and human waste. With the deserts spreading, there is less arable land suitable for farming/agriculture. The growing population and the limited supply of clean water is a major issue in Africa. Clean water is needed for basic health and sanitation.